Abstract

Relations between Central Asia and Southeast Asia are growing and is a developing area of study. Dr Paradorn discusses his research on the factors behind this growing engagement, focusing on the role Southeast Asian states can play in the hedging strategies of Central Asian states seeking to realise their multi-vector foreign policies. Amongst the Southeast Asian states, Singapore engages Central Asia robustly, and is seen as a politico-economic model for Central Asian states. In this light, Dr Paradorn will discuss what role Singapore can play between Central Asia and Southeast Asia.

About the Speaker

Paradorn Rangsimaporn is a Thai diplomat and independent researcher. He is currently Minister-Counsellor, Eastern Europe Division, Department of European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. He was previously Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Thai Embassy in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan. He was also an Associate Research Fellow at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. His research interests are in Russian foreign policy, especially towards Asia and ASEAN, and the international relations of Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Eurasia. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and policy briefs as well as a book titled “Russia as an Aspiring Great Power in East Asia: Perceptions and Policies from Yeltsin to Putin” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009). His latest book “Central Asia and Southeast Asia: Exploring the Dynamics of Greater Engagement” was also published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2022. He is currently working on a book on Russia-ASEAN relations in the Indo-Pacific for Routledge. He holds a DPhil in International Relations, an MPhil in Russian and East European Studies, and a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, all from the University of Oxford.